Ash Bolt
For Craig Werner, volunteering is a great way to keep himself busy.
Not one for technology, Craig took up volunteering after moving to Lara from Ballarat five years ago.
“It keeps me busy and I like to do stuff with my hands,” he said.
“Don’t give me pen and paper or a computer, because they’re not for me, I like doing things and helping people.
“That’s what I get enjoyment from.”
After his move, Craig connected with the Lara Lions Club.
“My volunteer work at the Lions Club gives me another home, and again I feel valued that I can contribute in some small way,” he said.
One of his favourite ways to help the community is through the club’s graffiti removal program.
To maintain Lara’s tody town image, whenever graffiti is reported across the town, volunteers like Craig are called in to clean it off.
“I’ll get a call sometimes that there’s graffiti at the Sportsman’s Club, and so I’ll go around and get rid of it,” he said.
“If you look around Lara, you won’t see too much graffiti anymore.”
Along with that, Craig has also become the “volunteer caretaker” at the Lakeside Lara over-55 village.
Craig often collects food items donated to the village and bags it up before delivering it to the residents to ensure no one misses out, along with always being willing to lend a hand where needed.
His volunteer work saw Craig recently awarded the village’s most valuable community member award.
““Craig is just a selfless, kind soul who really goes out of his way to help the whole community,” village manager Cath Stahl said.
“The work he does for the Lions Club is just outstanding and a testament to his character. Craig is a very humble man which is why we put him forward for recognition – he truly deserves it.”
